Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late Chief of Staff, Major General Abdullahi Adangba Mohammed (rtd), describing him as a patriotic Nigerian whose life and service deeply shaped Nigeria’s unity, democracy, and good governance.
The late Mohammed, who passed away at the age of 86, served as Chief of Staff under both Obasanjo (1999–2007) and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007–2008). In a statement released by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President said the news of Mohammed’s passing came to him as a great shock.
Obasanjo praised the late general’s integrity and dedication, calling him “a diligent and conscientious soldier who served his nation with patriotic zeal.” He highlighted Mohammed’s legacy as the Military Governor of old Benue-Plateau State (1975–1976), where his incorruptible leadership and loyalty to the nation stood out.
Reflecting on their time together, Obasanjo revealed that he deliberately chose Mohammed as his Chief of Staff to bridge the transition from military to civilian rule, describing him as “someone I could trust and have absolute confidence in.” He said Mohammed’s professionalism and commitment made his presidential administration “an easy undertaking.”
He continued, “Abdul was a true soldier and a great nationalist who fought for Nigeria’s unity with fairness and justice. The story of Nigeria’s democracy cannot be written without his name boldly inscribed.”
Obasanjo concluded his tribute with a prayer, asking Allah to forgive the deceased and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, saying, “Nigeria has lost a rare gem, a disciplined officer, and a humble servant of the nation.”
